Luzerne County Property Records Online

Luzerne County property records are available through three distinct online systems covering records as far back as 1786. The Recorder of Deeds in Wilkes-Barre manages these records and provides access through Landex Remote, Landex Webstore, and the IQS Infodex system for older documents. Property owners can also sign up for a free Record Alert Service through Landex to monitor recording activity on their parcels. Whether you need a recent deed, a mortgage from the 1980s, or a grantor/grantee index entry from the 1800s, Luzerne County has an online path to find it.

Luzerne County Recorder of Deeds

The Luzerne County Recorder of Deeds is located at 153 North River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 (physical address), with a mailing address of 200 North River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711. The office phone is 570-825-1641 and the fax is 570-970-4580. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with a recording deadline of 4:20 PM. The office also operates a Hazleton Annex, open Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM for customers in the southern part of the county.

Luzerne County is one of Pennsylvania's larger counties by population and land area. The Recorder of Deeds office processes a high volume of real estate instruments each year. PIN Certifications are required on all documents submitted at the Hazleton Annex. The annex does not accept cash; accepted payment methods include money orders, cashier's checks, personal or business checks, and credit cards. Customers must wait for documents to be completed at the annex location.

Note: Documents that arrive after 4:20 PM will be recorded on the next business day. Always call ahead to confirm any special requirements before visiting the Hazleton Annex.

Searching Luzerne County Property Records Online

Luzerne County offers three distinct online systems for searching recorded real estate documents. Each system covers a different time period and offers different levels of access. Understanding which system to use will save time when researching Luzerne County property records.

Landex Remote provides complete access to records from 1968 to the present, with document images indexed from December 1980 forward. Users set up an account and draw down from a prepaid balance to access records and download copies. This is the primary tool for modern Luzerne County deed and mortgage research. Landex Webstore is a lower-cost option that provides free access to the index from 1993 to the present and fee-based document downloads from 1968 to present. It is well-suited for users who need index lookups more than full document access. Both Landex systems are available at landex.com.

For older records from 1786 through 1967, the IQS Infodex and E-Film Reader system at www.searchiqs.com/paluze/ provides free search access to the Grantor/Grantee Index volumes 1 through 5. This index covers the period from 1786 to August 1, 1993. Copies of documents from this older set carry a fee. IQS is the only online path to Luzerne County records from the county's founding through the late 20th century, making it essential for historical title research and genealogical work.

The Pennsylvania statewide portal at pa.uslandrecords.com also provides access to Luzerne County recorded instruments and is a useful cross-reference tool. The Pennsylvania State Archives land records guide provides context for understanding colonial-era land records that predate Luzerne County's formation.

Note: Each online system requires its own account setup. Start with Landex Webstore for free index access before committing to a Landex Remote prepaid account for full document downloads.

Luzerne County Record Alert System

Luzerne County offers a free Record Alert System provided by Landex. This service lets property owners monitor recording activity on their parcels. You can register by name or Property Identification Number (PIN) for up to five properties. When a document containing your name or PIN is recorded, you receive an alert. This is a useful fraud-prevention tool for Luzerne County property owners.

To register, visit landex.com/recordalert/luzerne and follow the registration steps. You can list up to five PINs or names. The service is free and does not require a paid Landex account. It is important to understand that the Record Alert System does not prevent fraudulent recording. It alerts you after recording occurs so you can take action if needed. This is a proactive step any Luzerne County property owner can take to protect their title.

Property Documents Available in Luzerne County

The Luzerne County Recorder of Deeds holds a full range of recorded land and legal documents going back to 1786. Deeds are the most heavily searched records. They document the chain of title for every parcel in the county. Mortgage records show loans secured against real property, and mortgage satisfactions confirm that those loans have been repaid. Luzerne County's deed and mortgage records are accessible through the Landex systems and IQS for different time periods.

Other Luzerne County recorded documents include subdivision plans, easements, liens, powers of attorney, and UCC filings. The recorder also holds Notary Public applications and related change-of-name or change-of-address forms. For real estate transactions, the PA Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value (REV-183) must be recorded along with the deed. Realty Transfer Tax refund forms are also available through the recorder's office for qualifying transactions.

Judgment liens appear in the Unified Judicial System public records portal. State UCC searches can be performed through the Pennsylvania Department of State. The PA Department of Revenue handles state-level tax matters that may affect Luzerne County properties, including the realty transfer tax.

Pennsylvania Property Records Law

Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, at 65 P.S. § 67.301, ensures that government records are accessible to the public. Luzerne County property records, including deeds, mortgage indexes, and assessment data, are presumed public under this law. You can review most property records during regular office hours without filing a formal written request.

If the county denies access to a record you believe is public, you can appeal to the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records. The OOR is the statewide body that handles these appeals. Most routine requests for Luzerne County property records are resolved without formal legal action. The Pennsylvania Local Government Commission provides guidance to local governments on their public records obligations.

eRecording and Getting Copies of Luzerne County Records

Luzerne County accepts electronic recording of documents through three approved vendors. CSC can be reached at 866-652-0111. ePN is available at 888-325-3365. Simplifile handles eRecording inquiries at 800-460-5657. Electronic recording is faster and eliminates the need to physically deliver documents to the office. Title companies and attorneys frequently use eRecording for Luzerne County transactions.

Copies of recorded instruments can be obtained through the Landex Remote or Webstore systems online. In-person copies are available at the Wilkes-Barre office during business hours. Bring the book and page number or PIN to help staff find the document quickly. IQS Infodex provides access to older documents going back to 1786 with a fee for copies. The Pennsylvania Land Title Association can connect you with licensed title professionals who perform full searches of Luzerne County records.

Mail requests are accepted at the Wilkes-Barre mailing address. Include document details, your return address, and payment. Call 570-825-1641 to confirm current copy fees and required information before sending your request.

Nearby Counties

Luzerne County borders several other Pennsylvania counties, each with their own recorder and assessor offices.

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